2015 Chateau Branaire-Ducru Saint Julien

The 2015 Branaire Ducru is a gorgeous, totally sexy wine. Rose petal, lavender, mint, sweet red berry and gently spiced notes give the wine much of its gracious, lilting personality. Precise and nuanced to the core, the 2015 Branaire is all class. It's easy to overlook Brainaire in the context of Saint-Julien, where most of the other important wines are much more powerful. Branaire always speaks with a hushed, discreet voice. Readers who appreciate finesse will find much to admire here. The 2015 is a wine of pure and total sensual pleasure. In 2015, the blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged for 18 months in French oak, 60% new. Don't miss it. Tasted two times.

Juicy and alive, this shines out the glass, compelling and charming with a searing brightness and zestiness - just great acidity that lifts the initial burst on the palate. The liquorice and clove spice is at the fore, as is the slight stoniness that lingers on the tongue, with the angles to the tannins giving the frame. It's forward and well worked, never too in your face, retaining the elegant aspect, but this has that tension and drive, straight and linear. Feels polished but not ready to drink yet. I do love the chalky, cleanness you get on the cheeks and the liquorice spice. Effortlessly balanced and definitely leaves you wanting more. This will be excellent in time.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Branaire-Ducru has an earthy nose over a core of red and black currants with hints of tapenade, pencil shavings and sage. The medium-bodied palate is firm and chewy, with just enough fruit and a lively finish.